A successful visit by the grand children

I passed an elderly couple walking with two young people the other day, who were clearly their grandchildren. The grandparents were pointing out different things as they walked along, to these very disinterested children. It made me think of my own experiences when we made our annual trip to SW Florida to visit my wife's parents.


Our children were the same as these. Not really interested in the story of where their grandparents stayed when they first came south or that their favorite restaurant used to be on this corner, but was now closed. These people were struggling, because they were not prepared.

If you really wanted to entertain these young people, you would do something for them that they would enjoy. I cannot tell you what that is, but there are ways to find out.

I suggest that before they arrive, you do the most important thing you can do to be prepared. Find out what they eat, and their favorite snacks. Forget about trying to make them eat better, and please don't try sell them on the benefits of your diet. Ask your children, what their children will eat. Be specific, and go to the store and get it. This is a new place with new sites and sounds, make 'the experience' different, not their snack food. Their idea of coming to Florida may have been Disney World, and instead, they got SW Florida. Try to make them happy they came here. Don't make it worse by telling them that snacking is unhealthy, and suggesting they munch on broccoli and carrots. Ask them to help you bake a cake or some cookies, or that one decadent thing for which you might become famous, "grammas' chocolate sauce."

Make a list of the various activities available here. When the children arrive, and they have discovered you have real food in your refrigerator, show them a list of available things to do, and let them pick. Do not suggest things on which you cannot accompany them. They are here to see you. Spend some time with them, doing the things that will make a fun vacation, with their really cool grandparents. If they are boy and girl, you may need to plan separate outings for them, but that's okay too. You can give up a few of your scheduled personal activities to spend quality time with your grandchildren. They may be required, as an assignment, to write about it, when they return to school. How I spent my Spring Break. Give them something they can't wait to tell.

Remember they would probably rather be on a waterslide than a walking tour of the sites downtown. The museum may be fun for some, but the zoo will get them buzzing. Animals are always a safe bet. Things they cannot see back home, like alligators, pelicans or dolphins. Those, might make you, their favorite grandparents. Spoiling them for a day or two will not destroy their character or damage their foundation.

If there is a birthday or holiday happening while they are here, make sure you are prepared for their traditions. When my youngest asked why the Easter Bunny had not come to Florida, his grandmother had to scramble to help keep the tradition alive for this youngster. She tried her best to be creative, but she just was not prepared.

I only tell you all of this for your own good. The children are resilient and will survive no matter what they do while here, but if you truly want them to look forward to coming back, then prepare your self and your kitchen for the carnage. Good luck.